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Otoplasty in Philadelphia

Introduction to Otoplasty

Gain self-confidence!

The ears bring proportion to the head and facial features. Besides being vital for hearing, the ears provide an important aesthetic balance to the appearance. Unfortunately, if the ears are unusual in size or shape, they will draw unwanted attention. Both young children and adults may be teased or experience low self-esteem due to ears that may be misshapen or disproportionate to their other facial features. At any age, however, self-esteem and confidence can be deeply impacted. Surgical correction can dramatically improve the appearance of the ear.

Our Philadelphia otoplasty patients find that the surgery greatly benefits their self-confidence. Your surgery will be performed by Dr. Ronald Lohner who has been selected as a Top Doc for 16 consecutive years by his peers. Dr. Lohner is a board-certified plastic surgeon and an expert in facial aesthetics.

What is Otoplasty?

Let’s start with the basics

Otoplasty, a procedure also referred to as Ear Pinning, is an invasive procedure designed to correct an unusual shape, size, or projection of the ears. This reconstructive procedure can repair all aesthetic issues of the ear, whether resulting from a birth defect or injury. Successful results can be seen in both adults and children.

Dr. Ronald A. Lohner M.D., F.A.C.S rated Philadelphia Magazine's Top Doctors 2008-2021

What are the Benefits of Otoplasty?

As one of the leading plastic surgery clinics in the Philadelphia area, Dr. Lohner has over two decades of experience working with otoplasty patients. Below, we’ve included some of the advantages of the surgery:

  • Improve self-confidence by reducing how much your ears stick out
  • Look better in caps or when hair is pulled back
  • Achieve better facial harmony with ears that fit your face better

Who are the Best Candidates for Otoplasty?

The ideal candidate for an Otoplasty procedure is someone who is unhappy with the look of their ear, is choosing this procedure for their benefit, and has realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. Malformation of the ear, asymmetry, or unnatural protrusion can be properly corrected, as well as many other aesthetic issues. The procedure can be performed for patients at any age, beginning with patients as young as five years old when the ears are between 85-90% developed. Potential patients need to be in good health, fully understand the procedure, and hold realistic surgical expectations.

What’s the First Step?

The first step to getting ear pinning surgery in Philadelphia with Dr. Lohner will be education. On your own, begin the process by researching the Otoplasty procedure especially targeting the benefits and potential complications of this procedure. Review Before/After photos to get an idea of the expected results. Potential patients who are still interested in the Otoplasty procedure should contact Dr. Lohner’s office to schedule a consultation appointment.

The initial visit at Lohner Plastic Surgery is designed to allow the surgeon to get to know the patient’s unique needs and aesthetic goals. At this time he will evaluate the ears and facial anatomy, review the medical history, and current medications. He will discuss the noninvasive and invasive techniques that can be used to create the best aesthetic results you desire. If both the patient and Dr. Lohner agree that an Otoplasty is the best procedure based on your needs, a surgical plan will be created and the preliminary stages of scheduling your surgery will be completed.

How to Prepare for your Otoplasty

Once your Otoplasty has been scheduled, it is time to prepare for the upcoming surgery. Dr. Lohner will provide detailed pre/post-surgical directions at your consultation appointment. Carefully read through these and contact the office if you have any questions. To ensure you receive a safe and satisfactory healing process, remember these key points:

1. Review information

Carefully review the Otoplasty information provided by Dr. Lohner. Feel free to call the office anytime to have the staff answer any of your questions that may arise before and after your procedure.

3. Arrange

Arrange for a ride home from the surgical center. Even though it is an outpatient procedure, you will not be able to drive yourself.

5. Follow-up Appointments

Never skip a follow-up appointment, no matter how good you are feeling. This will allow Dr. Lohner and his nursing staff to properly monitor your post-operative healing.

2. Prescriptions

Pick up all prescriptions, such as antibiotics and pain medications, before the day of surgery.

4. Supplies

Purchase needed supplies and easy to prepare meals prior to surgery. Ice packs, reading materials, and extra pillows can provide a more comfortable recovery.

What to Expect on the Day of Otoplasty

The Otoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthetic at the Lohner Plastic Surgery. At times, general anesthesia may be recommended, especially with young children. The procedure will take two to three hours to complete. To begin, Dr. Lohner will make a small incision behind the ear or along the front crease of the ear; depending on the correction required. Through this incision, he will reshape the cartilage and reposition the ear. Excess tissue can be removed at this point, and if needed, the earlobe will be recreated. Finally, the incisions are sutured closed for appropriate healing.

Otoplasty Recovery

The recovery from an Otoplasty will take from one to two weeks. Patients can anticipate possible bruising and swelling initially; this will slowly fade over two to three weeks. Mild pain and discomfort may be experienced, but Dr. Lohner will prescribe pain medications to assist patients in a peaceful recovery. A headband or headgear may be worn for the first several days. A follow-up appointment with Dr. Lohner will be scheduled within five days after your surgery. Patients normally feel and look well enough to return to work or school in seven to ten days.

During recovery, patients should avoid:

  1. Strenuous exercise for four weeks.
  2. Heavy lifting for three weeks.
  3. ‘Pull-over’ clothing for two weeks.
  4. Hard or excessively chewy foods for two weeks.
  5. Contact sports for six weeks.

How much does Otoplasty cost in Philadelphia?


The exact cost of an Otoplasty in Philadelphia will depend on the extent of correction and the individual patient. During your consultation, Dr. Lohner will go over the procedure and the costs involved. Financing options can be made available to help manage the costs.

Schedule Your Consultation


Dr. Lohner has been providing patients with expert otoplasty results in Philadelphia for over 20 years. He is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery, as well as General Surgery. To learn more about the procedure or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today!

FAQs

Your procedure questions answered.

How long will an Otoplasty procedure take to perform?

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Dr. Lohner’s Otoplasty will take between one and two hours to complete.

When can I return to work after my Otoplasty?

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Patients normally feel well enough to return to work seven to ten days after their Otoplasty.

What are the Risks of Otoplasty?

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Otoplasty is widely considered a safe and effective procedure. As it is an invasive operation, there is a small chance of complications. A potential complication of an Otoplasty can include infection, bleeding, hematoma, delayed wound healing, scarring, and asymmetry. By choosing a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, like Dr. Lohner, your risks will be minimized and you will be pleased with your results.

Will Otoplasty leave scars?

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Very small scars may occur after an Otoplasty. Dr. Lohner takes care to place the incisions within the natural contours of the ear and hairline, to help conceal any scarring.